Ronald Statz

Ronald Statz, 77, of Waunakee passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2013 after a courageous year long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on May 16, 1935, to Carl F. and Helen Statz.

Ron graduated from Waunakee High School in 1953 and married the love of his life, Tonetta Olson from Belleville, in 1959.

Ron's passion for farm equipment started as early as 10 years old when he drove a tractor at his dad's farm and helped at his dad's business.

Ron was a prominent businessman. Along with his brothers, he carried on his father's legacy in the farm implement business, Carl F. Statz and Sons which was founded in 1930. Ron was an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoyed watching the Badgers, Packers, Brewers, Waunakee Home Talent Baseball as well as his grandkids year round sporting events. He had a passion for attending the farm equipment auction circuit in Ill. and Wis. and spending time on Lake Wis. and in Destin, Fla. He served 2 years in the US Army. He was an active member of St. Johns Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and an honorary member of the Waunakee Fire Department.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Meriter and UW Carbone Oncology Department, Dr. Stella, Dr. LaConte, Sandy Burns RN, Dr. David, and family physician Dr. Paul Nemovitz for their compassionate care. We also want to thank the Waunakee EMS and UW Emergency Room Staff for care given during his final hours. Lastly, a special thanks to Mom for being the best caregiver our dad could have had during the last challenging twelve months. Thank you for being the most wonderful husband, dad, grandfather, friend, and role model to all of us. You will be missed dearly. We love you!

Funeral services will be held on Wed., April 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church, 209 South St., Waunakee. Msgr. James Gunn will officiate. Visitation will be held at St. John's Catholic Church on Tues., April 2, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Wed. from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by American Legion Post 360 Honors Unit.In lieu of flowers the family will establish a memorial at a later date.